- President Biden reverses Trump ban on transgender military service (Deseret News) – President Biden believes that gender identity should not be a bar to military service, and that America’s strength is found in its diversity.
- Biden tells CNN Trump’s impeachment trial ‘has to happen’ (CNN) – He also believes the outcome would be different if Trump had six months left in his term, but doesn’t think 17 Republican senators will vote to convict Trump.
- Trump sends a message to Senate Republicans ahead of his trial (Politico) – Who is he? A mob boss?? The ex-president could seek vengeance on GOP senators if they break with him on impeachment and vote to convict.
- U.S. and China will remain at odds under Biden as Beijing flexes on global stage, trade expert says (CNBC) – The U.S. and China had been growing apart before Donald Trump became president, and that trajectory will likely continue under President Joe Biden.
- McConnell renews call for filibuster to remain after 2 Democrats back it (NBC News) – After two Democratic senators voiced support for the longstanding filibuster rule, McConnell signaled a willingness to move forward.
- Janet Yellen confirmed as first female treasury secretary (The Guardian) She was confirmed on a 84-15 vote, with all no votes coming from Republicans.
- Sarah Sanders’ run for Arkansas governor to test value of ties to Trump (CNN) – The Arkansas race for governor will gauge how appealing Republican primary voters find personal connections to Trump and his presidency.
- Joe Biden says he is willing to adjust income thresholds for a fresh wave of stimulus payments in new relief package (Business Insider) – The remarks indicate Biden is willing to modify elements of his rescue package to garner GOP support.
- Watchdog to Examine Whether Justice Dept. Helped Trump Effort to Overturn Election (New York Times) – The inquiry was announced after revelations about a plot between Donald Trump and a top former department official to promote false claims of voter fraud by replacing the acting attorney general.
- Biden declines to tell Chicago teachers refusing to teach in-person to go back to work (Fox News) – “It’s not so much about the idea of teachers aren’t going to work. The teachers I know, they want to work,” he said. “They just want to work in a safe environment and…as safe as we can rationally make it. And we can do that.”
- Pets are back: Biden’s 2 dogs settle in at White House (Associated Press) – Major and Champ are the first pets to live at the executive mansion since the Obama administration.
